Bicentenario Jornada 2 Preview

America, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas all won their season openers but not all four will win in Jornada 2 - Cruz Azul-Pumas highlights this week's action.

Jan 22, 2010 11:18:00 AM

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Martin Bravo-Pumas vs Puebla (Mexsport)
The Bicentenario 2010 season got off to a strong start for several clubs, including some would-be title contenders. The big four all won - America, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas - but las Aguilas may have had the most impressive performance of the quartet.

This week, a matchup between two of the four most popular clubs in Mexico highlights the slate while the other two hit the road for some potentially tricky matches.
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FRIDAY

Estudiantes vs. Puebla, 9 p.m. ET

Just a couple of weeks ago, these two met with a chance to play in Copa Libertadores at stake. While this league meeting will have far less ramifications, Puebla will no doubt want to enact some revenge against a team they led 2-0 at one point during that match. Estudiantes could not carry the momentum over from their 3-2 win over Puebla as the club started league play with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Pachuca, but facing a familiar opponent might bring out the best in Miguel Herrera's side.

Prediction: Estudiantes, 2-1.

SATURDAY

Queretaro vs. Pachuca, 6 p.m. ET

Queretaro's mission for the Bicentenario 2010 season is simple: stay in the top flight. The club earned a minor moral victory in their season opener a week ago as los Gallos Blancos picked up a point and a shutout against Atlante. Playing for draws might be their plan of attack this season, but doing so against Pachuca will be tough. Los Tuzos are out to prove that they can win without Christian Gimenez, and last week's 3-0 blitz over Estudiantes was a good start. This will add to that.


Prediction: Pachuca, 2-0.

Cruz Azul vs. Pumas, 6 p.m. ET

This match will certainly be the hottest ticket of the second Jornada. Both teams are undefeated and of course pertain to exclusive group of the big four.  Pumas had a good start to the season, while Cruz Azul struggled to get on the board. Cruz Azul will be counting with another Argentine in their line-up though. Christian Gimenez could finally make his debut with Cruz Azul after being suspended for the first game of the season. Cruz Azul has two injured players Joel Huiqui, and Horacio Cervantes. Pumas has a couple of players injured Jorge Bernal and Israel Castro.

Prediction: Cruz Azul, 2-0.

Tigres vs. Chivas, 8 p.m. ET

Tigres picked up a strange victory a wee ago. The defense gave up plenty of chances to los Camoteros but whether by luck or poor marksmanship Tigres were not punished for that. Then, Tigres scored on a nice play after a quick buildup and walked away with three points. While that win seemed more circumstances of fortune than anything, Chivas tore apart Toluca in their opener and could be set for a strong campaign. While the opponent might not be a title contender, this will be a test for Chivas to see if the club can duplicate their strong showing on the road.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

Atlante vs. San Luis, 8 p.m. ET

Atlante and San Luis don’t want to be bottom dwelling teams both teams failed to come out with a win in the opening Jornada.  Atlante came out with a point while San Luis got hammered by America.  Atlante will get to keep Giancarlo Maldonado which will be a plus for their attack. Both teams however will go into the duel with significant losses. Atlante has Rafael Marquez Lugo, Santiago Solari, and Jose Joel Gonzalez all in doubt. San Luis has Gonzalo Pineda and Jesus Palacios out due to suspension.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

Morelia vs. America, 8 p.m. ET

America stride on to Morelia’s field with the confidence of the 5-1 win over San Luis in the opening date of the Bicentenario 2010. Morelia on the other hand will try and give some joy to their fans by gaining their first points and winning at home after the 3-2 loss to Santos. America have not been able to beat Morelia since the Clausura 2008 and will try to turn that statistic around without an Aquivaldo Mosquera who is currently out due to injury for a month. Morelia will be without suspended Fernando Salazar. 

Prediction: America, 2-1. 

Atlas vs. Monterrey, 10 p.m. ET

Atlas will try to pull off the impossible on Saturday as they take on current champions Monterrey. A win looks way out of reach but even a draw would be sweet for a struggling Atlas team. Monterrey picked up where they left off last season with a four goal performance in their opener. Injuries have not been good for Atlas who will have Daniel Osorno, Eduardo Rergis, and Romulo Marques. On a bright note Atlas will be counting on the defensive services of Fabricio Fuentes who comes back with the red and black. Monterrey has no worries for injuries and suspensions.

Prediction: Monterrey, 3-1.

SUNDAY

Toluca vs. Jaguares, 1 p.m. ET

It’s been a while since Jaguares have been able to win against Toluca¾either at gome or away. The Clausura 2006 has been the last time that Jaguares have taken all three points from Toluca in the regular season. Jaguares will have the opportunity to reverse their fortune with a complete squad, but Toluca will also have a full squad to compete. Both teams opened the Bicentenario with losses, San Luis with a last moment 1-0 loss to Cruz Azul and Toluca with a 3-1 loss to Chivas, and will look to reverse the fortune for all three points. 

Prediction: Toluca, 2-0.

Indios vs. Santos, 3 p.m. ET

Indios’ woeful run continued into the opening of the Bicentenario 2010 with a 4-0 loss to defending champions Monterrey. Santos were able to turn their fortunes around in the opening game coming back to win 3-2 against Morelia. Unfortunately for Indios a loss against Santos means sinking deeper into the eighteenth place of the relegation table. Hector Gimenez is a doubt to feature in the game for Indios, and Santos have to face the absence of Felipe Baloy who is out due to injury but may have Antonio Olvera for the game. 

Prediction: Santos, 3-0.

Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican Bicentenario 2010 season, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.
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